Share Sounds.

You may have heard recently that it's possible to use ETFs to invest in crypto-currency: but what are ETFs? They're a cheap and simple way to invest in markets. Trouble is, there are more than two thousand listed on the London market alone. So how do you pick the right ones for you and your circumstances? In a '[Big Call' programme originally broadcast on 1st February 2019, Ed Bowsher gets tips on how to do it from two experts in ETF selection: Oliver Smith from IG Smart Portfolios and Hoshang Daronga from Copia Capital.

Time is the scarce resource in human lives, and technology in its various forms swallows a lot of it for many of us. When its absorption into our lives becomes almost a habit or an addiction, it can cause us to miss opportunities and it can impact our character and even our identity. Whether it's gaming, social media or other online activity that turns you on, the emotional appeal is generally that instant gratification which pulls us away from experiencing real life and relationships. If you're concerned about being drawn into this trap of gaming and virtual experience, this episode could help you restore balance into your life. Originally broadcast on 4th February 2023

Actor Natalie Grady explores the ingredients that make a good story become a timeless classic with David Ricardo Pearce, who is now on stage in the West End as Harry Potter. This programme was originally broadcast on 12 February 2015.

The UK sub-postmasters' scandal is not just an issue for politicians: it deeply questions the quality and integrity of corporate governance, auditors and the legal profession: for example, surely The Law Society should have monitored the quantum of convictions and cried 'wolf'? The huge quantum of unclaimed adult-owned Child Trust Funds is a similar massive injustice for young people from disadvantaged and low-income backgrounds. Politicians, account providers and regulators need to take urgent action to tackle the £2 billion challenge: however, The Share Foundation is crying 'wolf' in this case — but will people listen? Background music: 'Missing Persons' by Jeremy Blake

After a good year for Premium Bonds when the only way was up for the prize fund rate, savers got a blow this week as a cut arrived. The prize fund rate is being cut to 4.4% from 4.65%. That edges the average return - which you may or may not get - from Premium Bonds further below the best savings deals, so should you save instead? Or would many Premium Bond holders be better off investing? Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss whether Premium Bonds stack up. Plus, as the US securities regulator approves bitcoin ETFs, is the price now headed for $200,000 as some suggest, or could this be enticing more naive investors into the volatile world of crypto that's been dogged by fraud? Later, Lee reveals his car insurance woes - and shares tips on how to deal with your own renewal quite pain-free. And finally, find out who on the podcast team is not drinking for January, who is taking an extremely haphazard approach to it, and who is planning to go all the way to Easter, as we discuss the no and low-alcohol beer boom and the ones we rate the best.

Twilio’s co-founder and CEO steps down due to activist pressure, and Elliot Management’s $1B stake in Match means changes might be coming. Ron Gross and Emily Flippen discuss the latest inflation numbers and why we shouldn’t bank on rate cuts yet, activist investor activity at Twilio and Match Group, and potential plans to take Docusign private, and big bank updates, a surprising pop from WD40, and things to watch heading into earnings season. Then , 19 minutes in, documentarian Chris Temple talks about his new movie 'This is Not Financial Advice' and how parasocial relationships are impacting what people do with their money and the causes of growing financial nihilism among younger Americans. Finally, 33 minutes in, Ron and Emily break down two stocks on their radar: Despegar and On Holdings. Stocks discussed: TWLO, MTCH, DOCU, BAC, WFC, JPM, C, WDFC, ONON, DESP. Host - Dylan Lewis; Guests - Ron Gross, Emily Flippen, Mary Long, Chris Temple

The Consumer Electronics Show kicks off with big news from Nvidia and many more. Jason Moser and Deidre Woollard discuss announcements from CES, what could make Apple’s Vision Pro successful, and the relevance of Twilio’s CEO switch. Then, 18 minutes in, Ricky Mulvey interviews Kevin Simzer, Chief Operating Officer of Trend Micro, about cybersecurity in the cloud and the new threats facing electric cars. Companies discussed: AAPL TWLO, NVDA, AMD, OTC: TMICY. Host - Deidre Woollard; Guests - Jason Moser, Ricky Mulvey, Kevin Simzer

For many people, there's a continuing internal struggle between the need for comfort and security and the yearning for freedom and adventure, but once settled into the former it can be difficult to face the risks and unknowns of the latter. Doubts about capability and resources can take over, and thoughts about taking a different path can be very challenging. It's really about re-building one's self-belief, and Adam Cox uses hypnotic analogies in order to help you find that confidence.

Neil Shah of Edison Group feels that the bond market has now normalised whch could help the equity market, where many companies have stabilised after a tough year, although he points out that the US market looks peaky. He admires the outstanding quarter year results from Gregg's. The business appears to be in the sweet spot where value is important to customers with a healthy balance sheet and a great management team. It pays a yield but there is still plenty of growth left, although the rating clearly anticipates this.

James Cameron-Wilson marvels that Wonka is still #1 after 5 weeks, with total of £53m at the UK box office. Anthony Hopkins stars in One Life, the true story of stockbroker Nicholas Winton's extraordinary wartime rescue of hundreds of Jewish children. James found it beautifully realised and hugely affecting. He was less impressed with Priscilla, about the spouse of Elvis Presley. Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, which he found unimaginative. He admired the decor and scenery more than the plot in Netflix's drama about grief and friendship, Good Grief, written and directed by Dan Levy.